Two asylum seekers were caught stealing luxury items while waiting for their claims to be processed by the Home Office
Frans Epentrius, 29, and Tobias Iileka, 33, tried to steal some designer items. Staff noticed them acting suspiciously on December 23. Epentrius was trying to hide a £550 Coach bag in a paper bag.
When staff approached, the duo made a run for it but were caught later. Iileka had wire cutters on him and admitted to stealing items during a previous visit. He claimed he needed food and clothes.
The court learned that he had a list of items to steal, including handbags and perfumes. He was charged with stealing £1,356 worth of goods earlier in December.
Epentrius, from St Leonards, was charged with attempted shoplifting. He had a history of unrelated offences. His lawyer explained that his family was in Africa, waiting for his asylum application outcome.
Epentrius was struggling financially and had been getting help from the Salvation Army. He ended up with a community order and must complete 60 hours of unpaid work.
Iileka received a higher community order for 18 months and has to do 180 hours of unpaid work. He wasn’t ordered to pay for the stolen items due to his financial situation.
